Considerations

• Due to the varied nature of the industry and some strict legal certification requirements, prospective construction utility workers need to determine their specialization early on. Once trained for an occupation, it will not be possible to cross over to a different profession without starting a new, long training process.
  
  

Features

• Utility construction is needed in both the production and the household supply of the services. Most utility construction workers are trained through apprenticeships, which can take between three and five years, depending upon the chosen path. Apprenticeship programs are offered by the utility industry and local governments. Another way to train for utility construction is to study construction technology at the college or university level, which can lead to positions within the management team of a utility company.
  
  

Significance

• According to statistics found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-2011) by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, trained and certified utility construction workers generally have good future prospects, particularly when specializing in green technologies and renewable energies. New utility sources such as solar and wind power require the construction of different infrastructures, while pipe systems all over the U.S. are currently outdated and need replacement or continuous maintenance, as of 2010.